----- ATHENS VIEWS - an Inside Look at Athens, Georgia -----

Athens was "Rickrolled"

As the birth place to the B-52's, Pylon, Widespread Panic, and R.E.M., Athens, GA is no stranger to famous musicians. However, everyone was surprised over the weekend when Rick Astley stopped by Go Bar for Dr. Fred's Famous Karoke. As he took the stage and belted out his 1987 song Never Gonna Give You Up, one thing became very apparent.

Athens was being "Rickrolled." For those not familiar with the term, I have provided a definition:

Rickrolling-(verb) an internet sensation wherein an individual believes he or she is clicking a link relevant to a certain topic, but instead the link leads to Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up" video.

I first remember hearing about Rickrolling last April Fools Day when all the featured videos on YouTube's home page led to the Astley video. Since then the prank has continued to spread in popularity. An April 2008 poll estimated that at least 18 million American adults have been Rickrolled. Even the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade was a victim this year.

Parades, sporting events, and websites have all been Rickrolled, but I think Athens is the only city lucky enough to be personally rolled by the man himself!